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THE CONTRAST: 



PLAIN REASONS 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON 



SHOULD BE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 



MARTIN VAN BUREN 



SHOULD NOT BE RE-ELECTED. 



BY AN OLD DEMOCRAT. ^ 




Fellow-Citizens ! 

The following Plain Reasons, touching a controversy in which you are all personally in- 
terested, are respectfully addressed to your candid consideration. The object of the writer has 
been, to present, in a concise and comprehensive form, some of the reasons, TMiy WILLIAM 
HENRY HARRISONS should be elected President of the United States, and Why MARTIN VAN 
BUREN should not be re-elected. The writer is a Democrat of the Old School. He is conscious 
of no object but the dissemination of the truth ; and believes that no single position is as- 
sumed in the following pages, which the truth does not warrant. On every point, in whieh con- 
troversy may arise, we have given the facts as they stand in undisputed public documents ; the 
figures as furnished by the official records ; and references to the acts, speeches, and letters, of the 
respective candidates, to fortify the arguments we have here presented. We believe they are 
sound, and unanswerable. We ask vou, fellow-citizens ! to read, and to read with candor. We 
ask. you to examine for yourselves — and then decide for yourselves, upon the duty you hate 

TO PERFORM TOWARDS OUR COMMON COUNTRY, IN THIS CRISIS OF HER AFFAIRS. 



[Entered eccording to Act of CoDgreas, in the year 1840, by Jaheb P. Giffino, in the Office of the Clerk of the 
Southern District of New- York.] 



^' 



J^r-^o, 



MS- 
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON 

SHOULD BE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Because, being the son of one of the ilkistrious signers of the Declaration, 
he was taught to cherish its principles in the ancient school of republican 
Virginia. 

Because, while yet a youth, the moment the war-whoop of the savage was 
heard in the west, he abandoned the ease and security of his profession, to fly 
to the rescue of his bleeding countrymen. 

See Niles' Register, and Life of Harrison, by Dawson, Hall, and others. 

Because, he enjoyed the friendship of Washington and Adams, and the 
unlimited confidence of Jefferson and Madison. 

No man move fully enjoyed the confidence of Jefferson, as is evinced by his numerous appointments ; and 
Mr. Madison said, "General Harrison has done more for his country, with less compensation for it, than any 
man living." — J^ilcs', Reg. 

Because, as the gallant young officer under Wayne, the intrepid warrior at 
the Rapids of the Miami, the heroic commander at Tippecanoe, Fort Meigs, 
and the Thames, he won imperishable laurels, and turned the tide of victory 
in favor of his country. 

Vice President .Tohnson declared, emphatically, on the floor of congress, that " General Harrison Wi?s longer 
in active service during the late war than any other general, was oflener in action than any of them, and never 

SUSTAINED A DEFEAT." 

Because, he is humane and generous, as well as brave. When Proctor 
summoned him to surrender Fort Meigs, his answer was, " Tell your general 

that THIS POST WILL NEVER BE SURRENDERED ON ANY TERMS." Aud when 

Proctor sent him the threat, that in case of capture, he would give up Harri- 
son to be butchered by the savages, his only reply was — " Then General Proc- 
tor is neither a soldier nor a man. If I take him, his life shall be spared ; but 
I will dress him in jjctticoats, and he shall be delivered to the squaics.'''' 

See Life of Harrison. — Such was the hatred of Proctor in the west, where the wives and sisters of the victims he 
had delivered up to the Indians at the River Raisin, resided, that the ladies of Chillicothe, on learning Harrison's 
threat to dress Proctor as a squaw, sent a flannel petticoat lo Fort Meigs lo enable Harrison to execute his threat 
should he catch Proctor; and there is not a doubt that had Proctor been caught, he would have been marched be- 
fore the American army m the flannel petticoat as a suitable punishment for so cruel and cowardly a wretch. Out 
of these facts, an administration newspaper four years ago coined the lie, tliat the petticoat was sent to be put upon 
Harrison. 

Because, he would have the government administered according to a strict 
construction of the constitution, confining the action of the executive within its 
proper sphere. 

" I den», to the general govercmont, the exercise of any power but what is exvresslxi given to it bv the consti- 
tution, or what is essentially necessary to carry the powers e.\pressly given into effect." — liarrison' s letters to the 
Richmond Enquirer. 16 ^cpt. 18^3. 

Because, he holds to the doctrine of instruction, and the duty of tlri repre- 
sentative honestly to obey the will of his constituents. 

"I believe in the right of the people to instruct their representative when elected : and if he lias snulrient evi- 
dence that the instructions which may he aiven him come from a majority of his constituents, that li'- ;s bound to 
obey them, unless he consider that liy .ining it he would viol.itc the ronstitntion, in which case 1 1'. ink it would 
be his duty to resign, and give them un Mpportunity of electing another representative, whose opiiii' .r would ac- 
cord with their own." — General Huerisun, lo Thomas lUtchie, llj .Sept, 18'2^. 

Because, he is a republican ia principle and practice — a supporti r of the 
Rights of the States, and the Sovereignty of the People. 

General Harrison, in a letter to the editor of tlie Richmond Enquirer, dated Sept. IC, 1822, says: — " i rleeiri my 
self a RepublicHu of whiit isronimnnly called the old .leflersonian School, .-iiid believe in the correnc's-s ot that 
interpretaliori of the constitution which has been given by the writings of thvt enlightened statesman, wiio vvas at 
the head of the party, and others belonging to it, parlicLilariy the telelirated resolutions of the Virginia Legislature 
during the Presidency of Mr. Adams." 



William Henry Harrison should he elected: 3 

Because, like Washington, he would frown down all attempts to dissolve 
the Union, or weaken the ties which bind us together. 

" I believe tliat upon tlio preservation of the union of the states, depends the existence of our civil and religious 
liberties ; and tliat tlio conient which binds it together is nut a parcel of words written upon paper or parclinient, 
but the brotherly love and regard which tho citizens of the several stales possess for each other." — General Har- 
rison's letter ill Rich. Enq., Oct. 4, IWi. 

Because, like Mr. Jefferson, he is opposed to all improper interference on 
the part of the executive, or its officers, in the freedom of elections. 

"The president," says General Harrison, in his letter to Ilarinar Denny, " fhniild never attempt to influence 
the electtuiis, either by the people or the state legislatures, nor sutler the J'cjera-i iiffuers under his control to take 
any other part in thcni, than by giving their votes, where tliey have tho right of voting." 

Because, he is opposed to proscription and persecution for opinion's .sake ; 
and holds that passports to office should not be the .services rendered to party, 
but to the country. 

Alluding to the proscription of General Solomon Van Rensselaer, by Van Buren — General Harrison, in 
answer to a letter iiuitiiic hini to a public dinner in honor of Van Rensselaer, at Cinchmati, after speaking of hi« 
gallant bearing, and his pouring out his blood at the Rapids of the Miami, asks, "who has been excepted in the 
proscription which has raged for the last twelve years 1 Who has been spared, that possessed any thing which 
could tempt the cupidity of the sjioilers'?" And lie gave the following noble sentiment; — " May Solomon Van 
Rknsselakr be the /flst «/c£m jn our country of party vioLknck , and luaii the sirciccs which arc to be the 
Jutun piis.iports to office, be not those rendered to a party, but to the whole I'Eoplk." — See his letter, dated 
July 1, 1840, to Cinchinali committee. 

Because, he looks to the people, as the source of all legitimate power, and 
to the encouragement and protection of the agricultural interests of our 
country, as among the most essential means of preserving our liberties. 

" In all ages, and in all nations, it has been observed that the cultivators of the soil, ore those who aro 
least willing to part with their rights, and submit themselves to the will of a master." — General Harrison's ad- 
dress before Hamilton Co. .Igr. .Socitti/, It) June, ICxU. 

Because, he is opposed to a large standing army in time of peace, under 
the control of the executive ; but in favor of disciplining and instructing the 
militia, of the several states, as our surest means of national defence. 

See General Harrison's Report, as chairman of the military committee hi congress, 17 January, 1817. See also 
his letter, of 1 Juno, 1840, to the officers of the Louisville Legion. 

Because he is opposed to imprisonjient for debt, or any restraints upon 
the freedom of the citizen, for the accident or misfortune of being poor. 

See debate in V. S. Senate, on the subject of imprisonment for debt. Senate Journal, 2d session 10th congress, 
and 1st session 20th congress. " lam," says General Harrison, in his letter to John H. Pleasants, of Richmond, 
"opposed to all imprisonment for debt. 1 think that iinprisunnient for debt under any circumstance but that where 
FRAUD is alleged, is at war with tlie best principles of our constitution, and ought to be abolished." 

Because, he is opposed to the creation of a National Debt, and holds that 
it is the duty of government to keep its expenses tvithin its ordinary revenues, 
and to set an example of Republican Economy and simplicity to the rest of the 
world. 

" I believe in the tendency of a large public debt to sap the foundations of the constitutiov, by creating R 
MONIKD ARlsrot^RAcy, wliose views and interesLs must be in direct hostility to those of the mass of the people. I 
deem it the duty, therefore, of the representative of the people to endeavor to extinguish it as soon as pos-^ible, Ay 
makitiff cttcry retrrvrUment in the cxpevditiirr.f of the (.'inurnment that a prtpper performance of the public buso- 
ness will allow." — Harrison's letter to the Richmond Enquirer, published Oct. 4, 1822. 

Becaus-j, while he would reduce the salaries and emoluments of the public 
servants to a reasonable and equitable standard — he would give to ilie Far- 
mer fair prices for the products of his farm ; the same to the Mechanic fir 
his work; and to the Laborinc Man, CONST.ANT EMPLOYMi^NT, REA- 
SONABLE WAGES, AND PROMPT PAY. 

See his speeches in congress ; also his letter to Tliomas Ritchie, IG Sept, 18^2. 

Because, the true Democracy now, as in 1776 — is that which looli^ to "the 
greatest happiness of the greatest number.''' 

Because General Harrison holds to a one ter3I presidency, and will not be 
a candidate for re-election. 

See letter to H. Denny. 



4 William Henry Harrison should be elected: 

Because he is opposed to the disgraceful and degrading punishment of the 
LASH applied to the offending soldier or sailor ; and would enforce the punish- 
ment of the law, by judicious lenity, and education, and with even-handed 
justice, as well upon the culprit in epaulettes, as the humblest sailor in his tar- 
paulin. 

General Harrison in an eloquent speech in the U. S. Senate in 1825. on the bill to prevent desertion from the 
army, thus spoke of the punishment of the lash : " Will you restore the omnipotence of the cat-o-nine-taile, that 
instrument of torture 1 If you do, you will find it ineffectual. Resort to severe punishments of that description 
— procure the shlag from Prussia, or the knout from Russia — it will never be effectual in an Jimerican Army. 
Try, I beseech you, some other plan. Try the effect of lenity and instruction — take the fetter from the 
leg, and apply it to the mind, and you make your soldier the willing and faithful servant of his country." 

Because, in all systems of education, at the expense of the nation, whether 
in military academies, or naval schools, as well as in all appointments of mid- 
shipmen. General Harrison is in favor of giving the preference to those young 
men, (equally deserving in other respects,) whose parents are least able to edu- 
cate them. 

See his speecli in congress, Dec. 10, 1818, on the admission of cadets into the military academy. 

Because, he agrees that the power of the executive has increased to a fear- 
ful extent, is increasing, and ought to be diminished, and has pledged his efforts 
to remedy the evil. 

Seo the views of General Harrison on this subject, in his letter to Sherrod Williams, 1 May, 1836. 

Because, taught by Jefferson, the true republican maxim for this country, 
of " Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship with all nations — entangling 
alliances with none" — General Harrison will avoid taking counsel from mon- 
archical governments, which from their very structure, are naturally our politi- 
cal enemies. 

See letter to Bolivar. 

Because, on preserving the Union, depends the safety of the People ; and 
on the preservation of the rights of the states, depends the integrity of the 
Union. He is the friend of both ; and determined to preserve both. 

See letters to H. Denny and T. Ritchie. 

Because, General Harrison will be the President of the People, instead of 
the mere agent of a party. 

See his letters to H. Denny, and S. Williams, 1836. 

Because, being neither a partisan nor an enemy of banks, but the friend of 
a sound and uniform currency, he is not tied down by passion or prejudice 
to any course, other than that which shall best conform to the principles of the 
Constitution, and best subserve the interests of the people. 

" As a private citizen," says General Harrison, in his letter to Sherrod Williams, " no man can be more entirely 
cleat of any motive, either for re-chartering the old bank, or creating a new one, under the authority of the Uni- 
ted Stites. I nrvir had a single share in the former, nor indeed m ar.y bank, with one exception ; and that 
failed, viith the loss of the entire stock. I have no inclination to venture again in that way, even if I should ever 
possess ti<; means. With the exception above mentioned, of slock in a bank long since broken, I never put out a 
dollar at ii^crest in my life. My interest being entirely identified with the cultivation of the soil, 1 am immedi- 
ately and pe»ionally connected viiith none other." 

Because, he is opposed to Party Violence, and in favor of union and har- 
mony among *he people. 

" I believe it to be the duty of the representative to conciliate the members of the great political family, and to 
bear in mind, that as the Union was effected only by mutual forbearance and concession, so only can it be pre- 
served-" — Address to hit, r,onstitucnts, in Siptcmbcr. 18-?2. 

Because, when the fleets of England, by plundering our ships, and impressing 
our seamen, had goaded the nation into war, and the voice of every Democrat 
in the land was raised in its favor — HARRISON was among the first in battle 
to avenge his country ''s wrongs. 

See Brackenridgc's, Hall's, Niles', and othei histories of the late War. 



William Henry Harrison should he elected: 5 

Because, he is opposed to all attempts of the Executive to dictate or control 
the proceedings of Congress, as dangerous to liberty. 

_ General Harrison, in his letter to Uarmar Denny, in 1836, lays down the following sound doctrines: — "Tho Pre- 
sident should not sutter the executive depurtineiit of tho government to become the source of legisltiliou ; but leave 
the whole business of making laics for the Union to the drpartnu nl to which the nmstilution lius ij i/usivcly 
assigned it, until tliey have uasumed that perfect ehupe, where and whi^ji uluiii' the iipuiioiih ol'llii; •■xeiuiive may 
be heard. A coniinunily of power in the preparation of the lawn Ijituiii] the li(,M.sliit]vc ami the i\iMutive de- 
partments, must nectssarily lead to dangerous combinations, greatly to thr ndvujjiaiie of a president desirous of 
extending bis power. Such a construction of tho constitution could never have been contemplated by those who 
framed it, as they well knew that those who proposed bills, will always take care of themselves, or the interests of 
their constituents, and hence the provision in the constitution, burrowed from that of England, restricting the ori- 
ginating of revenue bills to tlio immediate representatives of the people." 

Because, it is his policy to foster the credit, the honor, and interests of all 
the states ; and General Harrison, following in the footsteps of Washington 
and Jefferson, will "support the state governments in all their rights, as the 
most competent administrators of our domestic concerns, and the surest bul- 
warks AGAINST ANTI-REPUBLICAN TENDENCIES." 
See letters to Ritchie, Denny, Williams, &.c. 

Because, he would cherish the pride and prowess of our gallant navy, and 
foster that lofty spirit of honor which alone can sustain a nation^s glory. 

See the speech of General Harrison in the Senate.of tho U. S. in 1836, on the bill for the gradual improvement 
of the navy. 

Because, to the Hero of Tippecanoe was it owing, that A fleet was placed 
on Lake Erie, under the gallant Perry. General Harrison was the first to 
perceive the advantage, and the first to suggest it to President Madison, who 
instantly adopted the plan, in conformity with the suggestion of Harrison. 

See Niles' Register for 1812,13. This was, in fact, one of the most important movements during the war, and 
shows the wisdom and sagacious forctiiought of General Harrison. 

Because his character is as pure and irreproachable in his private life, as it 
is distinguished in his public career. 

Bishop SouLE, one of the most pure and distinguished ministers of the Methodist church in the United States, 
was asked in the presence of the Rev. Leonard U. Gritting, (who, heretofore, has been a supporter of Martin Van 
Buren,) — " What is the public and private character of VVilliam Henry Harrison ?" The bishop replied, — " I con- 
sider (rcneral Harrison's character above itEPROACu. He has been my neighbor ; I have often been an inmate 
of his family, and 1 consider his house one of the best houses, for ministers, in all Ohio." 

Because, as his country's negotiator, entrusted by President Jefferson with 
almost unlimited powers, he concluded thirteen important treaties with the 
Indian tribes, and added more than SIXTY MILLIONS of acres to the na- 
tional domain. 

See congressional documents from 1801 to 1816, public treaties, &c. 

Because, in common with the reflecting portion of the whole country, he 
disapproves the act of administration party then in power, which produced 
the mutilation of the records of the Senate. 

" In my opinion, neither house of congress can constitutionally expunge the record of the procccdinps of tlieir 
predecessors. The power to rescind belongs to them, and is, for every legitimate purpose, all that is nece.sury." — 
General Harrison's letter to H. IVilUams, May, 1836. 

Because, he is, like Washington, opposed to the unchristian practice of 
duelling, and has publicly stamped the offence as a crime against society, and 
the laws of God. 

Sec his letter on the subject, aildrest-ed on the 7th April, 1838, to Aaron B. Howell, Esq., of Nottingham, N. J. 
It is a letter which, with that addressed to General Bolivar, should be preserved in every family, as embodying the 
principles of a profound statesman and Christian phUanthropist. 

Because, as a plain farmer and cultivator of the soil, he sympathizes with 
the feelings, and will exercise a guardian care over the interests of our coun- 
try's yeomanry. 

" The policy of the country," said General Harrison, in the Senate of the United States, "is to lessen the CI- 
penses cj agriculture, and remnvr, if possible, the diJficuUies with irhich tlie farmers of the country have notc^ 
struggle. He was a farmer iiiniaelt, and spoke of those difticulties as one who.had experienced them. He 
therefore felt a kindred interest in the welfare of the agricultural class." 



6 William Henry Harrison should be elected: 

Because, he is the father of the beneficent land system of the West, and has 
on all occasions exerted himself to aid the settlers of the new states. 

See his votes and speeches on the subject in the House of Representatives, 1816-1818 ; and in the Senate. 
1826-1828. 

Because, he is in favor of such judicious tariff regulations as shall provide 
for the actual wants of the government, and protect the national industry, 
without affording the means of extravagance, or a surplus beyond what may 
be necessary to discharge its current and existing obligations. 

Seo his votes in the Senate of the United States. See also his letter to Hon. John McP. Berrien, 183G. 

Because, he is opposed to all intei'ference on the part of the general gov- 
ernment with the domestic institutions of the states, the control of which is 
expressly guaranteed to them by the constitution. 

See his address, 4th July, 1833, at Cheviot, Hamilton county, Ohio. Also, his published letters to Hon. Mr. 
Berrien and others, in 1830. 

Because, he is opposed to all measures which shall tend to build up dis- 
tinctions of WEALTH among the people, or to tempt the government to profu- 
.sion and extravagance, by an excess of revenue. 

" No more fatal idea can be entertained than that our republic is to be preserved either by the wealth of our 
citizens, or the amount of the revenue of the government. The brightest eras of the repubhcs which have ex- 
isted, were those when honorable poverty prevaded, and when patriotism was best rewarded." — General Har- 
rison's speech at Cincinnati, ith July, 1835. 

Because, it was owing to General Harrison's active co-operation, in a 
great measure, that the gallant Commodore Perry was enabled to accomplish 
the glorious victory of the 10th September, on Lake Erie. 

Commodore Perry, in a letter dated five days after the battle, returned his thanks to General Harrison, in the 
following terms : — 

"The great assistance in the action of the 10th instant, derived from those men you were pleased to send on 
board the squadron, renders it a duty tu return you my sincere thanks tor so timely a remforcement. In fact I may 
say that without those men the victory could not have been;achikved, and equally to assure you that 
those officers and men behaved as good soldiers and seamen." 

Because, like a true hero, he tempered his victories with mercy, and when 
the smoke of the battle was over, was the first to perform acts of kindness to 
the vanquished. 

His general order, on going into the battle of the Thames, reads thus •. — " Tlie General entreats his brave troops 
to remember, that they are the sons of sires whose fame is immortal. Kentnckians 1 Remember tiic River Raisin ; 
But remember it only wliile victory is suspended. The revense of a soldier cannot be gratified upon a fallen 
enemy." After the battle, he gave his last blanket to Colonel Evans, a British officer, who was wounded. 

[From the Albany Argus of March 12, 1813.] 

There is an elegance approacbipK to sublimily in one passage in the General Orders of January 2, to the north- 
western army under GENERAL HARRISON. These orders were issued in consequence of the return of a 
detachment from a successful expedition into the Indian country. The detachment had orders, among other 
things, " to save the women and cliUdrrn, and to spare t/ie warrior who ceased to resist." After thanking the 
detachment for their attention to this order, the General proceeds : — 

" Let the account of murdered innocence he opened in the records of Heaven agaiiist our enemies alone ; the 
.American soldier will follow the example of his government, and neither the sword of the one will be raised 
against the helpless or the fallen, nor the gold of the other paid for the scalp of the murdered encmi/-" 

Because, while Van Buren is opposed to a bankrupt law for the benefit of 

honest insolvent debtors, General Harrison is for extending its 

provisions, if we have such a law at all, to all classes ; giving the farmer, 

physician and mechanic, as well as the merchant, equal rights and privileges. 

See the debate in the Senate of the United States, 1827, on the bankrupt bill, in which both Van Buren and 
Harrison declared their semiinpnts on this great question. In reply to a remark of Mr. A'an Buren, that no class 
should he included who tcere nut included in the hanhrnpt laws of England, General Harrison said : — 

" When we adopt the laws of foreign countries, we must make them suit our own institutions ; we must adapt 
them to our own circumstances, which are essenti;\lly dittVient from those of other nations. The gentleman from 
New York says that we must include traders, avil >i:i)ir but traders. More ditficulties would, he believed, arise 
from the attempt to ascertain who were traders, and wlm wore not, than from any other part of the bill. Nearly 
all the people of tbe western country were, in some sense, traders. There was not a farmer on the Ohio river who 
was not a trader. Hundreds of boats will, as soon as the ice breaks up, descend the Ohio to New Orleans, laden 
with produce. It is common for the farmer, when his own produce is not sufficient to load the boat, to complete 
the necessary quantity by purchase from his neighbors, for which ho contracts to pay at tbe usual time of re- 
ceiving returns from the adventure. The produce is sold to the merchant; he fails, receives the benefit of this 
act, is discharged from his obligations, and recommences his business. Meanwhile, tbe farmer is deprived of the 
means of meeting his engagements: he is sued, imprisoned, stripped of bis property, and, borne down by the bur- 
den of a debt whicb he despairs of discharging, he is unable to renew his exertions. Is this the equality of privi- 
lege 7 Is this tbe uniformity for which gentfemen contend? Equality or rights was the fundamental 
PRINCIPLE OF OUR INSTITUTIONS. We could exercise no power in such manner as would lead to a violation 
«f that principle." 



William Henry Harrison should he elected: 7 

Because, in the heroism and fidehty of his public career, the unblemished 
purity of his private life, and his uniform devotion to the interests of the people, 
as well as in the concurrent testimony of honest men of all parties, we have the 
surest guarantee that he will administer the government honestly, faithfully, 
and for the best interests of the whole people. 

Honorable Testimonials to the Character of General Harrison. 

See the records of his various appointments by Washixgton, J. Adams, Jefferson, Madi- 
son, J. Q. Adams, and the People. See also the following : 

The " Richmond Enquirer" of January 9th, 1813, speaks of General Harrison in the fol- 
lowinjT manner : 

" Gen. Harrison, in spite of the difficulties which surround him, seems determined to press 
on to Detroit. Neither the cold nor the badness of the roads can deter him from his enter- 
prise. If he fails, the world will excuse him on account of the difficulties which encompass 
his path. If he succeeds, these very difficulties will enhance the lustre of his success. 

" If he has been reported rijrhtly, Harrison is a man of no ordinary promise. War has 
been his favorite study. At a very early ag;e, he was with Wayne in his famous campaign 
against the Indians. A gentleman of very high standing, who had an important post under 
him during last fall, compares him to WASHINGTON. He is as circumspect as he is enter- 
prising — as prudent in collecting the means of an attack as he is vigorous in striking the blow." 

Again, the " Richmond Enquirer" of the 19th October, 1813, referring to the battle of 
the Thames, says : 

" We have not words to express the joy we feel for the victory of Harrison. Never have 
we seen the public pulse beat so high. And well may we rejoice. We rejoice not so much 
for the splendor of this achievement, as for the solid benefits which it will produce. Yet, in 
point of splender, we have no reason to believe that when we shall receive the official ac- 
counts, we shall sustain any disappointment," &c. 

" But its solid benefits require no official accounts to emblazon them ; almost every eye 
sees them, and almost every tongue can tell them. It gives security to the frontier. Ohio 
may now sleep in security. The trembling mother that nightly used to clasp her infant to 
her breast, may rock its cradle in peace. The chain which bound the red man to the English 
white man is broken," &c. 

" These benefits we owe to the intrepidity of Perry, who paved the way, and to Harrison, 
whose skill, prudence, and zeal have at length reaped their just reward. This general has 
now put all his enemies to shame. After struggling with difficulties under which an or- 
dinary man would have sunk — after passing through a wilderness of morass and mud, so 
difficult of access that the wagon horses could not carry provender enough to support them 
during the journey, he reached the consummation of all his labors ; repairs the vices of Hull ; 
wipes off the stain which he had cast upon our arms ; stands on the ruins of Maiden ; muz- 
zles the Indian war-dog ; and proves to the world that Americans want only an opportunity 
to display the same gallantry on the shore which they have done upon the wave." 

Again : In the spring of 1814, a proposition was made in congress to create the office of 
Lieutenant General. The ' Richmond Enquirer' named General Harrison for the elevated' 
station, in the following eloquent and patriotic language : 

" If any one should ask where snch a man is to be met with ? we answer to the best of 
our abilities, in the man who has washed away the disasters of Detroit ; who had every thing 
to collect for a new campaign, and who got every thing together ; who waded through mo- 
rasses and snows, and surmounted the most frightful climate in the Union ; the man who 
was neither to be daunted by disaster nor difficulties, under any shape, by the skill of the civil- 
ized or the barbarity of a savage foe ; the man who won the hearts of the people by his spirit, 
the respect of his officers bif his zeal, the love of his army by a participation of their hard- 
ships ; the man who has finally triumphed over his enemy. Such a man is WILLIAM 
HENRY HARRISON." 

The following is an extract of a letter from Col. Davies, who was killed at the battle of 
Tippecanoe, Aug. 24, 1811 : — " I make free to declare that I have imagined there were two 
military men in the west, and General Harrison is the first of the two." 

The heroic General Miller, thus writes respecting Gen. Harrison : — "I freely express 
my opinion, after following him through all his civil and military career, after Vving with 
him in his family more than six months, that Gen. William Henry Harrison is as free 

FROM stain or BLEMISH AS IT FALLS TO THE LOT OF MAN TO BE." 



10 
MARTIN VAX BUREX 

SHOULD NOT BE RE-ELECTED. 



Because, as he has manifested the strongest feelings of hostiUty to Madi- 
son and the Democracy of the country, he is a Democrat in nothing but ■pro- 
fession, and a Federalist in every thing but the name. 

See tlie opinions of Dewitt Clinton, and of John C. Calhoun, and of the Democratic papers of 1812, respecting 
M. V. B. 

Because, his friends have hitherto failed to point to a single act of his past 
life, Avhich entitles him to the confidence of his countrymen. 

Hon. Alexander H. Everett, now a prominent administration man, in a 4th of July oration, a few years since at 
HoUiston, Mb. thus defines the character of M. V. B. : — " Throughout his proceedings wo see the character of the 
man: — a narrow, sordid, selfish spirit, pursuing little ends by Httle means; no loftiness of purpose — no power, 
depth, or reach of mind — no generosity of feeling — no principle, and of course no faitli in the existence of any such 
quality in others. He enters on the high and sacred concerns of the Government in the same temper, in which, as 
a village lawyer, hesat down to play jill-fours at the alehouse, and is just as ready to employ any trick that will 
increase his share of the spoils of victory." 

Because, he delights in popular tumults and excitements, in reviving and 
perpetuating ancient animosities, in arraying the rich and the poor against each 
other, and embittering one portion of the Union against another. 

" All tradition unites in establishing the fact, that the village of Kinderhook, with its immediate vicinity, was the 
theatre of incessant litigation ;" and " party politics raged violently, and frequently disturbed the peaceful relations 
of neighbors whose real interests were not in conflict with each other." Mr. Van Buren had a strong taste for 
these contentions. — See Holland's Life of Van Buren, chap. 2. 

Because, among all the offices which he has sustained, it is impossible to 
point to a single one bestowed upon him for any other merit or service, than 
those of a mere party character. 

See Holland's Van Buren.— His first civil appointment was given him, while a lawyer at Kinderhook, for his zeal 
in the political struggle in 1807^ between Tompkins and Lewis. He was made surrogate of Columbia county. He 
had supported Morgan Lewis tor governor in 1804, and opposed him in 1807, successluUy, as the appointment serves 
to show. 

Because, Martin Van Buren is opposed to free suffrage ; and in the con- 
vention to amend the constitution of New York, made a speech in favor of a 
PROPERTY QUALIFICATION, even though it should affect the rights of 
the poor veterans of the revolution, who had fought for our liberties. 

See proceedings of the N. Y. convention, 1821, to amend the constitution, p. 141 — 182. See also Holland's Life 
of Van Buren, p. 179. Mr. V. B. labored with great zeal to establish the point, that rione but householdbrs 
should be allowed to vote. 

Because, in these instances, as well as in various others, he has shown him- 
self a MONARCHIST at heart, and that he considers party and property, 
and not talent or usefulness, as the principal claim which entitles a man to 
citizenship. 

Because, he has spent all the ordinary revenues of the government, al- 
though out of those same revenues, his three immediate predecessors paid more 
than $210,000,000 of the public debt. 

See Treasury Reports 1817—1836. Mr. Monroe paid in 8 years, $101,366,111 ; Mr. Adams, $45,303,533 in 4 years, 
and General Jackson $64,198,338 in 8 years. 

Because, acting upon the principle that the people may be corrupted, he op- 
poses the honest and equitable distribution of the proceeds of the public lands 
among the whole people, in order that he may use them to make influence 
with a part. 

See Messages to congress — and the project to cede the lands to the states in which they lie. [The new states and 
territories have already received 12,690,334 acres of the public lands for the support of schools, &c. and M. V. B. is 
wiUing for the sake of " the party," to give away the rest, 230 millions of the choicest lands in the world !] 



Martin Van Buren should not be re-elected : 1 1 

Because, he separates the government from the people, takes the control 
of the revenues from congress, and, through the sub-treasury law, can manage 
tlie lahole financial power of this government as he pleases ; and, as if that were 
not enough to condemn his administration forever, he has procured congress 
to pass an act authorizing him, on his oion mere motion, to withhold appro- 
PRiATioNS made for the public service. 

See tlio closing acts of tho last session of Congress, by which the President is empowcroJ to witlihold appropria- 
tions, or execute them, at pleasure ! 

The President does not, indeed, have the immediate custody of the public monef ; but ho has the control of it, 
through his power over all the sub-treasurers and collectors, who are appointed by him, and hold their oJHcex at 
his will and pleasure. It is well known that Gen. Jackson opposed the Sub-Treasury Scheme in 1834. The 
Olobe^ at the same period, speaking of it, said — 

" It IS as palpable as the sun, that the effect of the scheme (Sub-Treasury) would be to bring the public trea- 
sure much nearer the actual custody and control of tho Executive than it is now, and expose it to be plunder- 
ed hv a hundred hands, where one cannot now reach it." 

And the Richmond Enquirer, the leading Jackson paper of Virginia, in 1834, said — 

" We have objected to the Sub-Treasury scheme, (so called; thai, in the first plac, it will enlarge the Ex- 
ecutive power, already too great for a Republic ; 2ndly, that it contributes to endanger the security of the pub- 
lic funds; and 3rdly, that it is calculated to produce two currencies — a baser one for the people, and a better one 
for the Government." 

" It is certainly subject to very, strong objections not the least of which Ls the very great increase of patronage 
to wlii('h it must give rise, and a patronage uf the must dangerous influence, as being so immediately con- 
nectnl loith the public money." 

Anil again : 

" But lean see no advantage, and on the contrary, a fruitful source of mischief, in making Government offi- 
cers the keepers of the cash. Place about them what /.'uards you mny, in the shape of commissioners, inspec- 
tors, or whatever else, pecilation will be endless. There is no stmrity in it, and it will involve heavy 
and unnecessary expense. The chief and overruling objection, however, is the endless source of patronage to 
whicli it would give rise. Make the machinery as simple as you may, and open to view, wherever money is 
temptation will creep in, and corruption in every form follows at its heels." 

Because, leaders in the administration party aim at the destruction of the 
system of free labour and wages. 

Is proof demanded ? Here it is. Tho Boston Quarterly Review, edited by Mr. Broicnson. who has an office 
under the government, and is devoted to the principles of Mr. Van Buren, in a late number of tliat work says — 

"In regard to labor, two systems obtain: one. that of slave labor; the other, that of free labor. OF" THE 
TWO, THE F1R.ST IS, IN OUR JUDGMENT, EXCEPT SO FAR AS THE FEELINGS ARE CON- 
CERNED, DECIDEDLY THE LEAST OPPRESSIVE." 

" We say frankly, lli.it, if there must always be a laboring population, distinct from proprietors and employers, 
we regard the slave system as decidedly preferable to the system at wages." 

" Wages is a cunning device of the devil, for the benefit of tender consciences, who would retain all the advan- 
tages of the slave system, without the expense, trouble, and odiumof being slaveliolders." 

Wo really beheve our NORTHERN system of labor is more oppressive, and more mischievous to morals, 
than the southern." 

Because, leaders of the party in possession of the government declare 
another object to be the overthrow of the church in all its forms and 
SECTS, and the destruction of the ministers of religion. 

Hear what the Boston Quarterly u'iters on this subject, "speaking as one having authority :" — 

" But, having traced the inequality we complain of to its origin, we proceed to ask again, what is the remedy ? 
The remedy is first to be sought in the destruction of the priest. 

" The priest is uniocrsally a tyrant, universally the enslaver of his brethren, and therefore, it is Christianity 
conr'.'mns him." ! ! ! 

" I'here must be no class of men set apart and authorized, either by law or fashion, to speak to us in the name 
of God, or to be interpreters of the word of God. 55- THE WORD OF GOD J\rEVER DROPS FROM 
THE PRIEST'S LIPS." '.'.] 

" We object not to religious instruction ; we object not to the gathering together of the people, one day in 
seven, to sin^ and pray, and to listen to a discourse from a religious teacher ; but we object to every thing like an 
outward visible church ; to every thing that in the remotest degree partakes of the priest." ! ! ! 

Because, the same party leaders avow yet another object, fearful and revo- 
lutionary, to follow ail their other schemes, which is, the abolition of the 

laws relating TO THE DESCENT OF PROPERTY. 

Hear Mr. Brownson, the editor of the same Review, and a prominent leader of the Van Buren party in Maasa- 
ehusetls : — 

" Following the destruction of banks, must come that of monopolies of all privilege. There are many of 
tliese. We cannot spocil'y tlwm all; we therefore select only one, the greatest of them all, the privilege which 
some have of being burn rich, wiiilc otlirrs are born poor. It will be seen at once that we allude to the here- 
ditary descent of pro,„rt„. AN .WOMAI.V IN OUR AMERICAN SYSTEM, WHICH MUST BE RE- 
MOVED, OR THE SV.STE.M 1T.<F.L1' WILL BE DESTROYED." 

"A man shall liave all lir limnsllv .irnuircs, so long ns be himself belongs to the world in which he acquire* 
it BUT HIS POVVF.R ()VI;R HIS PROPER TY MUST CEASE WITH HIS LIFE, AND HIS PROPERTY 
MUSTTHEN BECO.METIIE PK( »1'F,RTY OF THE STATE, [ ! ! ] to be disposed of by some equitable law, 
for the use of the generation which takii^ his place." 



12 Martin Van Buren should not he re-elected : 

Because, in violation of the laws, he has expended large sums in ornament- 
ing the presidential palace with articles of European manufacture. 

The act of congress of 22 May, 1826, expressly provides, " that all furniture purchased for the use of the preei- 
dent's house, shall be, as far as practicable, of American or Domestic Manufacture." The published statements 
of expeiulitures exhibit large sums defrayed in the purchase of British, French, and German articles, at the highest 
prices, See tiie vouchers at Washington. 

Because, he has banished from the presidential office the plain republican 
simplicity of the earlier presidents, and introduced a style and magnificence 
unsuited to the character of our government. 

See tlie masterly speech of Mr. Ogle of Pennsylvania, and of Mr. Wise of Virginia, on the expenditures and ex- 
travagance of tlie administration. 

Because, the administration having spent years in an attempt to " reform 
the currency, '^'^ and forced hundreds of new banks into premature existence ; 
and having established new mints to coin new eagles, and failed at last ; when 
the bubble burst, Mr. Van Buren, the author of the mischief, turned round 
upon the people with the apology, that "■>t is not the duty of the government to 
regulate the currency.'''' 

The great increase of banks since 1833, was occasioned by the measures of tlie government. Secretaries 
Tanoy and Woodbury's circulars prove this. The three new mints coined, in three years altogether, only about 
half a million. At the North Carolina Mint it cost $33 to coin $Si, and at New Orleans every ten cent piece coined 
cost thirty cents. See Returns of the Mint, 1838-9. 

Because, he recommends a bankrupt law, applicable to corporat'ions, 

so that he may obtain control over the state institutions, and be able to crush 
them at pleasure. 

See his messages to congress, 1837, and 1838. This was his first scheme to obtain control of the monied institu- 
tions ; and when that failed, die sub-treasury was brought forward. 

Because, when the people, suffering and exasperated by continued acts of 
misrule, approached the president with remonstrances, they were spurned with 
indignity, and their petitions treated with contempt. 

"The 

people expect too much from the government," says Mr. Van Buren. — See his Messages, 1837, 8. 

Because, he has increased the annual expenditures of the government froni 
an average of $18,000,000 to $37,000,000. 

See letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, April 9, 1839, from which'the following important facts are drawn; — 

Average yearly expenditure under Washington, 1,986,524 82 

J. Adams, 5,362,587 79 

Jefferson, 5,162,598 58 

Madison, 18,085,617 48 

Monroe, 13,057,925 07 

J. a. Adams, 12,62.5,478 .58 

.lackson, 18,224,091 88 

Van Buren, 37,135,654 33 

Because, in addition to the whole revenue of 1837, 8 and 9, he has spent 
,037,000, received from other sources, besides laying broad and deep the 
foundations of a new national debt, in the issue of twenty millions of treasury 
notes. 

See Report Sec. Treasury. When V. B. entered upon the presidency, there were $6,670,00 in the treasury ; there 
was the 4th instalment due the states, $9,367,000 ; there was ^6,000,000 received from U. S. Bank stock sold ; and 
$7,000,000 more received on deferred Custom House bonds ot 1835 and 6. 

Because, he favors the RICH, and neglects the POOR. 

See the casi of Com. Elliot. For the most iross misconduct, the court-martial sentenced him to a depriva- 
tion of pay and emoluments for two years, &c. The President remits this penalty, and apologizes for the conduct 
of the Commod.'jre on all the charges upon which he was convicted, except that of inflicting a greater number of 
lashes on the sail-. .'3 than the law allowed ! He is silent as to this — thus shewing his contempt and disregard for 
those in humble life, and favoritism to those who have influence with the party. And so in tne case of JJvings- 
ton, who was condemned to receive 120 lashss. Mr. Van Buren has no apology for him, no remark to make — the 
sentence is coldly approved, and executed. 



Martin Van Buren should not be re-elected: 13 

Because, in all appointments to the Military Academy, of Cadets, or of mid- 
shipmen to the Navy, since the accession of the present administration, the 
SONS OF THE RICH have had a marked preference over those of the poor. 

See Hets of appointmenta of cadets and midaliipmon, since 1830 ; all, or nearly all, soils of wealthy men, or rela- 
tives of members of congress, or officers about the government. 

Because the grand aim of the federal government, under Van Buren, after 
destroying the banks and currency, is to bring down the wages of the la- 
boring MAN to the hard money standards of despotic governments. 

" I ardently desire," says Senator Walker, "to see this country in the same happy condition wii)i Cuba." " I 
coincide," says Mr. Calhoun, "with the senator from Mi.siiiKsippi." " VVe nuist reduce prices [of property and 
labor] luw." says Senator Buchanan. " THK PRKJE OF LAHOK IS ENTIRELY TOO HIGH." says Senator 
Tapnan. "THIO LABORER IN THIS COUNTRY CAN AFFORD TO WOKK FOR ELFA'KN I'F.NOE A 
DAY, AND THE HARD MONEY SYSTEM WILL BRING DuWN WAtJFS r( i TH AT .-^HM. WHEAT 
WILL ALSO GOME DOWN TO SIXTEEN CENTS A HUSHEL, AND KV F.IIV I'llIXt; ELSE IN PRO- 
PORTION. THIS IS THE BEST TARIFF YOU CAN HAVF, AND THK ONLY ONE THAT CAN 
ENABLE THE MANUFACTURER TO COMPETE WITH ENGLAND. THE SIIII-TREASURY WILL 
EFFECT BOTH THESE OB.IECTS; IT WILL PUT DOWN THE BANKS, AND BRING WAGES AND 
EVERY THING ELSE DOWN." 

Because, not content with reducing the wages of labor, and Iringing doion 
the Profits of the Farmer, he has aimed, through Mr. Poinsett's Army Scheme, 
to place the citizens of this Republic under a Syslcm as odiou.s as the Sedition 
Law of 1794. 

See his message of December, 1839, recommending Poinsett's Scheme. That fatnous Plan to enslave the 
People, stripped of the flourish of Mr. Poinsett's rhetoric, contains the following odious features : — 

1. To enroll every white male citizen between the ages of 20 and 4.5. 

2. That within three montlis every one should arm himself at his own expense. 

3. That within a given time 100,000 should be drafted for actual service I 

4. That another lTlO,000 men should be constantly kept armed and organized. 

5. That this body of lOO.OlX) should be kept up by constant drafts from the whole body of the citizens enrolled. 

6. That the Union should be divided olT into ten great military districts — Bonaparte fashion. 

7. That the President may call out, whenever he chooses, in their districts, the whole of this body of 100,000 
men, twice a year. 

8. While thus in the field, this army of 100,000 is under the control of the President, and subject to such regu- 
lations as he chooses to prescribe ! 

9. If any citizen fails to march into actual service, when ordered by the President, he is to be fined not less than 
$o nor more than $30. 

10. If he refuses to pay the fine, he is subjected to IMPRISONMENT IN CLOSE JAIL UNTIL 
THE FINE IS PAID! 

Such are the naked provisions of this monstrous Sedition and Gag Law project of Mr. Poinsett, endorsed by 
Van Buren. 

{fCf .jVor is this all. The rules of war are made applicable to this body of militia ; and any soldier 
SPEAKING DISRESPECTFULLY of the President or Vice President may be punished, as a court martial shall direct, 
by FINE or STRIPES, and if he disobey his superior officer, shall SUFFER DEATH ! The famous SEDITION 
LAW of John Adams, contained no more objectionable provisions than this Army Project of Van Buren. Look 
at tliem, side by side ! 

Extracts from the Sedition Law approved Extract from the articles of war which are to 
by President John Adams, July lith, govern the militia when trained under Pre. 
1794. sident Van Buren' s new plan for organi- 

Sec. 2. Jlnd be it further enacted, That if any per- zing them. 
son shall write, print, utter, or publish, or shall cause a^ = »„„ „«;„„. „. „„i.i;„, ,„i.^ „i,„n ..=„ -„«»™,^».. 

or procure to be written, printed, uttered or published. „„^'*;^;£"J„?'!'P.7 ?/ "i''''„®LY,,=? ,h» P^,^,f; .^/T/.ht; 

or shall knowingly and willingly assist or aid in writing ".H.oj, i\Zifi'J{'J,'^,Z'^^,v:P^^^^^^ 

^X^^c^'^ZJ'^^^^>TL^^'±^ 8r4t.toTkronVe't;^^/d^7aVet?nte?\h^^^ 

mltTf^e"UnT,er#,a?L^o'e>fh^riITusloV^h%"con- ^^.^std^'^a^ a'^crrlr.rtill&dirt^^f ^n™ 

ffn^f^d"^t'i{?s ^^^rt?Alfe1n?^nt°; !i''o1-a!n^e''rife^sail'G!!'v^ misSfdlffi'^cl^ Sr/o'ld"!e^""Sll"^il''sL';?^r"s'u^ch"pVnX 

ernml."; o^' d\h;\' HotVofX'saidfc^ "■«"/■ Y «'-" ^e inflicted on him by the sentence of a court 

exciVLailTst Jheln tho°hX'dTf'the tood^'ocoole o'f ^rt. 0. Any officer or soldier who shall behave himself 
fh^TT„S«.n,„= Lt„ =,;?..?. .„J;.;„^ ,^,?.h;„'^,i./lT„; with contempt or disrespect towards his commanding 

ti iTet ^^i^^ri:^\^^zx^:!:'t^^ &:eV\l:! n^^ o^r^'ort r.:ir«i"'''"" •" '"^ 

'^kt' ora''n";l"c^to7thTfeeTo/X?fntd Ss"^ '''^"^'^'^S''^U^^^'^e,^n, e.cite, 
dwe in oS^urnce of any such aw m the powers m cause or join in any. mutiny or sedition in any troop or 

Knc;.urTe 'o?Vbet an/Klo d'^^^^^ 'Ztli'^" punishment as by a court martial shall be m- 

reign nations against the United States, their people or i,,' « a„„ „«;„„, „, „„i.i;„. .„i,„ „i,„ii „i,;i,„ J,;- »,rv.>- 

&rrv"l.o'u^7'o?'th^''!jXd'ira?el\^rv?n'AX^^^^ rio^offic;r^"r7rfvr^r''if?''.^rany'°wt'^'o'n"o'r''l;}rera'^ 

ri^^ .Lr^nf ah, 1 hi nnnuCo,? J'a fiL nr., L^.»^ nJ violcuce against him, being in the c.vecution of his office, 

lug iwo ytare. ^^ such punishment as shall, according to the nature of 

the offence, be inflicted upon him by the sentence of a 
court martial. 

Because, Mr. Van Buren, instead of acting as the head of a great nation, 
and President of the People, has avowed himself as solely and exclusively the 

HEAD OF A PARTY. 

See his answer to the speech of J. W. Edmonds, at Castle Garden, in 1839; also his replies to addresses while 
on his electioneering tour through Pennsylvania. 



14 Martin Van Buren should not he re-elected : 

Because he impeaches the honesty of the conduct of Washington, Jefferson, 
Madison, and Monroe, and aims to grasp the hberties of the people, by gettinj^f 
the absolute control of their money. 

See his remarkable letter in answer to an address from Kentucky. " I am most happy to inform you, gentle- 
men," (says tlie President,) "that I liave this day (July 4tli) signed the bill for the establishment of an inde- 
pendent treasury, a measure of wliich you speak in decided commendation. By this measure, the management 
of an important branch of our national concerns, after a departure of nearly half a century, will be brought back 
to the letter, as well as the obvious spirit and intention of the constitution." 

Because, he not only approved, but warmly recommended Mr. Poinsett\'3 
project, which would create a standing army of two hundred thousand 
MEN, whose hayonets would be at the control of the President. 

See the elaborate report of Mr. Poinsett, dated March 20, 1840, detailing his plan for establishing a standing 
army. Mr. Van Buren s endorsement of the plan is as follows: — " The present condition of the defences of our 
principal seapoits and navy yards, as represented by the accompanying report of the Secretary of War, calls for 
the early and seriou.s attention of congress ; and as connecting itself intimately with this subject, I cannot re- 
commend TOO STRONGLY to your consideration the plan submitted by that officer, for the organization of the 
militia of the IJnited States." 

Because, in prosecution of the sanguinary but inefficient contest with the 
" handful of Seminoles" on our southern border, he has exhibited the most 
utter want of the capacity necessary in a chief magistrate, at the same time 
impoverishing the treasury, and tarnishing our country's laui-els by his man- 
ner of carrying on the contest. 

Because, he has countenanced profligacy and corruption, by retaining de- 
faulters and dishonest men in office, after thjy were known to be such. 

See Woodbury's voluminous report respecting defaulters, &c., March 30, 1838 ; also reports of investigating 
committees, by which the fact was disclosed, that numerous agents were retained m office long after their defap 
cations were known to the government. 

Because, he has lost more of the public treasure by the defalcation 
OF HIS chosen agents, in nine years, than all former Presidents. 

The following table of defalcations, between April, 1830, and July, 1839, (mostly between 1836 and 1830,) is 
furnished by the Secretary of the Treasury : — 



J^ames. 


Places of Residence. 


Amount of Defalcation, 


Samuel Svvartwout, 


New York, 


$1, 2-25, 705 69 


William M. Price, 




7.5,000 00 


a. S. Thurston, 


Key West, Florida, 


2,882 15 


G. W. Green, 


Mobile, Alabama, 


11,173 48 


I. T. Cranbv, 


Crawfordville, Indiana, 


39,031 31 


a. M'Carty, 


Indianapolis, Indiana, 


1,308 92 


B F. Howards, 


Edwardsville, Illinois, 


3,315 76 


W. L n. Kvving, 


Vandalia, Illinois, 


16.7.54 29 


John Hays, 


Jacksiin, .Misi-issippi, 


1,386 18 


W. M. Green, 


Palmyra, Mississippi, 


2,312 19 


B. S. Chambers, 


Little Rock. Arkansas, 


2,149 2:1 


D. L. Tono, 


Opelousas, Louisiana, 


27,130 57 


A. R. Rogers, 


'* 


6,624 87 


J Cannon, 


New Orleans, 


1,2.59 23 


M. W. M-Daniel, 


Washington. Mississippi, 


6,000 00 


B. 11 Owen, 


St. Stephen's, Alabama, 


30,611 97 


G. B. CRLtTtllER, 


Choctaw, Mississippi, 


6,061 40 


G. B Damekon, 




39,0,59 M 


S. W. Dickson, 


.'.' 


11,231 90 
898 53 


W. P. Harris, 


Columbus, Mississippi, 


109,178 08 


William Taylor, 


Cahawba, Alabama, 


2.3,116 18 


U. G. Mitchell, 




54,626 .55 


J. W. Stephenson, 


Galena, Illinois, 


43,294 04 


LiT'uuRY Hawking, 


Helena, Arkansas, 


100.000 00 


S. W. Heall, 


Green Bay, 
Washita, Louisiana, 


19,620 16 


Joseph Friend, 


2..551 01 


William H. Allen, 


St. Angnstine, 


1,997 50 


G D Boyd, 


Columbus, Mississippi, 


50,937 29 


R. H. Stirling, 


Shoccuma, Mississippi, 


10,773 70 


Paris Childs, 


Greensburg, Louisiana, 


12,449 76 


William Linn, 


Vandalia. lIliTiois, 


55.062 06 


Samuel T. Scott, 


Jackson, Mississippi, 


15..550 47 


James T. Pollock, 


Crawfordville, Indiana, 


14,891 98 


John L. Daniel, 


Opelousas, Illinois, 


7,280 63 


Morgan Neville, 


Cincinnati, Ohio, 


13,781 19 


JL J. Allen, 


TaMahassee, Florida, 


26,691 57 


Robert T. Brown, 


Springfield, Missouri, 


3,600 50 



Total Loss in Nme years of " Reform," $2,064,209 86 

The total losses from the defalcations of col'iectorn of the customs, collectors of direct taxes, and receivers af 
land sales, from 4th March, 1789, to 4th March, 1837. was 82,038,549 81. Seo Woodbury's report, 9th De- 
eember, 1839. 



Martin Van Buren should not he re-elected: 15 

Because, not content with denouncing the banking institutions of the states, 
he has attempted to blast the credit of the states themselves, by holding 
them up to the world as unable to pay their bonds in Europe. 

Seo the report of Senator Grundy on State Debts, made at the late session ; also the joauilical statements pub- 
lished by the late Comptroller Flagg, at Albany. 

Because, he approves the most barbarous corporeal punishment, when ap- 
plied to the offending sailor or soldier, while at the same time he remits the 
sentence of a court martial against a naval officer, wlio has disgraced the 
country's flag. 

A remarkable illustration was lately given. Mr. Van Burei) approved the sentence of a court martial on a sailor 
who had disobeyed orders, and the culprit actually suffitrcd the penally (120 lashes) and was discharged llu; ser- 
vice. Within a few days thereafter, the sentence of another court martial, suspending Commodore Elliott 
from his rank for four years, and from his pay and emoluments for two, was submitten to the President for his 
approval. He remits the penalty, and the commodore is under pay, as large as life, with nothing to do for 
four years. 

Because, he has been instrumental in creating nearly four liundrcd new 
banks in the Union, and using those in his native state as the instruments of 
his ambition. 

See his annual messages- When the war against hanks commenced in 1833, the whole number of banks and 
branches in the United t^tates was ■'tOli; the amount of capital $200,1105,944. Jn 1840, the number of banks and 
branches was 901 ; capital $358,442,692. 

Becau.se, taking coun.sel of the iwenty.seven EUROPEAN HARD-MONEY 
DESPOTISMS, fwenly-tioo of wliom recommended the measure, be brnught for- 
ward his THRICE REJECTED sub-treasury bill, and literally FORCED it 
through Congress. 

" I am enabled to state," says Van Buren, "that in twenty-two out of the twenty-seven governments from 
which undnubti'd information has been obtained, the public moneys have been kept in charge «/ public OF- 
FICERS." See last annual message. 

Because, apparently for no other purpose than to secure the passage of the 
SUB-TREASURY, he has, through his inajorities, in defiance of established prece- 
dents and every constitutional principle, DEPRIVED A SOVEREIGN 
STATE OF HER REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS. 

See proceedings in the case of the unconstitutional expulsion of the New Jersey representatives, as exhibited 
during the last session of congress. 

Because, while Harrison, at the head of the army of the west, was fighting 
for his country against Proctor and his savage allies. Van Buren was in league 
with the abettors of the Hartford Convention, plotting the overthrow of the 
administration of ]\Ir. Madison. 

Sec proceedings of the New York legislature, 1812, when Mr. Van Buren was the efficient agent of the federul- 
ioLs in giving the votes of that state against Madison and the war. 

Because, notwithstanding every administration, from Washington down to 
Jackson, had contributed to the payment of the national debt; and when Van 
Buren was elected, the last dollar had been paid, and there was a large sur- 
plus in the treasury ; still, in less than four years, he has spent all that 
surplus, and loaded the people with a new national debt of more than 
$20,000,000. in Treasury Notes. 

See Treasury Reports, 1830 to 1839. 

Because, when congress voted that no distinction should be made in the 
mode of collecting the revenue, the Secretary of the Treasury ordered all 
payments for lands to be made in gold, and the Postmaster General ordered 
the postage to be paid in gold ; while paper money was received at the custom 
houses. 

See the specie circular of the Secretary of the Treasury ; and the letters of the Postmaster General to his 
deputies, in July, 1836, and June, 1838. 



W Martin Van Buren shouCa not de re-elected: 

Because, the party of which Van Buren is the leader, obtained power by 
deceiving the people with promises and pledges of retrenchment and reform, 
which they could never have intended to fulfil, and have never attempted to 
redeem. 

It is known to all the world that J. Q.. Adams waa put down by the hue and cry of extravagance ; with how 
much justice, the following comparison between the expenditures of the last three years of Adams, with the 
first three of Van Buren, will show : — 



John Quincy Adams. 
Ill 1826, fl3,6(i2,3I6 27 

1827, 12,653,099 65 

1S28, 13,296,041 45 



Martin Van Buren. 
In 1837, $39,164,745 00 

1838, 40,427,218 00 

1839, 31,815,000 GO 



Because, the same party have actually introduced abuses never before ex- 
isting in the government ; have placed dishonest men in high and responsible 
offices, and retained them, until they have run away with the public treasure. 

See the extraordinary developments in the Swartwout and Price investigations ; also Woodbury's report on 
defaulters, 1838. 

Because, Van Buren is in favor of the increase of the salaries and perqui- 
sites of public officers, even while the people are suffering with every species 
of difficulty from a disordered currency and low prices. 

See his messages, and approval of acts increasing the salaries of numerous officers, none of which are reduced. 

Because, he has exhibited to the world the scandalous spectacle of ordering 
two officers of the army to be tried by court martial, for no other offence than 
buying military stores of the whigs. 

See proceedings of the late court martial at Baltimore, for the trial of Major Dusenbury, and'another. 

Because, we have had EXPERIMENTS enough ; and the next change 
ought to be a CHANGE OF RULERS 

Because, the people feel that under the present order of things, probity and 
HONOR have been expelled from the highest offices, and that the government 
is in the hands of weak and selfish, or wicked and designing men. 

See speeches of Calhoun and Pickens, in 1836, before their " coalition" with the present administration. 

Because, he had not the confidence of Jefferson, and was despised for his 
intrigues by Madison, and by Monroe ; from neither of whom did he 
ever receive an appointment. 

See the democratic papers of 1812, for the opinions of the republicans as to the character and conduct of Mr. 
Van Buren. 

Because, in his capacity of negotiator, instead of nobly defending our terri- 
torial rights, he has encouraged the false pretensions of Great Britain, by 
making the suggestion that a portion of the State of Maine may be bought 
and SOLD, to end the controversy. 

See proceedings of congress, and of Maine legislature, concerning the northeastern boundary question. 1838, 9. 

Because, it is the avowed policy of the administration of Van Buren to 
apply the pruning knife to the revolutionary pension system, in order that 
public officers and public salaries may be increased. 

See proceedings of the last and present congress, on the subject of revolutionary and other claims for public 
services. 

Because, one term of four years is long enough for any one man to hold 
the office of president in this country. 

See Gen. Jackson's annual message, Dec. 8, 1829. 



Note. — In these pages. General Harrison is spoken of, as representing the Democratic, or Whig Party ! 
and Mr. Van Bdren, as the representative of the Loco Foco, or anti-republican party. 



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